Increase in game traffic expected

Cooler weather, more police officers and an afternoon of tailgating is what's in store in Gainesville today as the undefeated Florida Gators take to the football field against the Auburn Tigers.

Officers are looking forward to cooler temperatures and fewer health problems at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium related to sweltering temperatures. But they're also planning on having to deal with fans who have spent the day celebrating before a night game.

"The people party a lot longer, a lot harder," said Gainesville Police Sgt. Art Adkins, who assists with the department's game-day operations.

More city officers will be on hand before the game, with police planning to make a point to be out and visible in neighborhoods near the stadium, Adkins said.

The reason, according to police, is because officers expect fans to tailgate for hours leading up to the game, which starts at 8 p.m. And that could cause problems.

"People are going to get wound up and we know that," said GPD spokesman Lt. Keith Kameg.

Adkins said officers will arrive in the area earlier than for previous evening games to monitor the crowd and deal with any traffic congestion.

As with any home Gator football game, motorists trying to get around Gainesville should expect crowded streets, especially on roads closer to the University of Florida.

Adkins said police don't expect any more traffic than at other games. But that still means there are about 100,000 people heading to campus, including fans and other people who will be working at the game.

"The thing people have to understand is you have 100,000 people. It just takes a little bit of time to get them out," he said.

Police plan to use a helicopter to monitor traffic.

Ongoing road projects are halted by the city and the Florida Department of Transportation during game weekends to lessen traffic problems.

If possible, drivers should avoid Archer and Newberry roads, 13th and 34th streets, and SW 2nd Avenue from the stadium to 34th Street, police said.

Those roads are the most crowded on game days.

The crush should begin early.

"We will see people coming in at 8 a.m. in the morning," Adkins said.

Tailgating fans can enjoy the first balmy weather of September.

A cool front that pushed into North Florida should bring highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s, said meteorologist Jason Hess with the National Weather Service in Jacksonville.

Friday was likely the last day the area will see 90-degree temperatures for at least a week, forecasters predicted.

The front also will bring a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms, with the rain chance decreasing Sunday and Monday.

Breezy weather is part of the forecast, with winds 15 to 20 mph today but decreasing during the evening, Hess said.

Lise Fisher can be reached at 352-374-5092 or fisherl@gvillesun.com.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.